Sigma-Aldrich® (Nasdaq: SIAL) today announced the launch of a unique life science-focused application for the social media site, Facebook. Developed and marketed by Sigma® Life Science, the 'What's Your Favorite Gene?' application is the first and currently only application of its kind available on Facebook, and provides a platform that can enable scientists and researchers to network with each other and facilitate discussion based on their favorite genes, identifiable via gene functionality and biological pathways. The application also allows researchers to post and share gene information using gene details and associated pathways and interactors from Sigma-Aldrich's award-winning online search platform, 'Your Favorite Gene powered by Ingenuity' (http://www.sigma.com/yfg).
Designed to encourage a culture of scientific collaboration, information sharing, cooperation and networking, the 'What's Your Favorite Gene?' application encourages scientists to become 'fans' of their favorite genes and then connect with colleagues to share their own experiences with the genes that drive their research. In addition, those using the application can build their own scientific profile and pull any online publications into this
profile or pull citations directly from PubMed® to create a page that highlights their research accomplishments and provides their skill set and experience. An element of the application is the 'What Gene Are You?' quiz that allows users to determine what gene most accurately portrays their personality.